Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1240

Intel

Core i7-3770T

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1240

4 Cores8 Thrd80 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1240 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1240 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-3770T

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E3-1240 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E3-1240.

Trade-offs

  • 1.8% HIGHER MSRP
    $278 MSRPvs$273 MSRP

Xeon E3-1240

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $5 less on MSRP ($273 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,361 vs 5,403).
  • 77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770T better than Xeon E3-1240?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1240 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3770T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-3770T is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1240 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3770T comes in 1.8% more expensive on MSRP at $278 MSRP versus $273 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1240 is also 1.0% better value on MSRP (19.6 vs 19.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3770T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1240 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-3770T

The Core i7-3770T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,403 points. Launch price was $330.

Intel

Xeon E3-1240

The Xeon E3-1240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,361 points. Launch price was $209.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770T and Xeon E3-1240 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3770T versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-3770T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1240 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770T scores 5,403 against the Xeon E3-1240's 5,361 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3770T. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1240.

FeatureCore i7-3770TXeon E3-1240
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.3 GHz+32%
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
5,403
5,361
Geekbench 6 Single
850
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,859
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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

FeatureCore i7-3770TXeon E3-1240
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i7-3770T) / not specified (Xeon E3-1240). The Core i7-3770T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E3-1240 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i7-3770TXeon E3-1240
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
Yes
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770T was priced at $278, while the Xeon E3-1240 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($278 vs $273), Xeon E3-1240 was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770T delivers 19.4 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1240 — making the Xeon E3-1240 the 1% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3770TXeon E3-1240
MSRP
$278
$273-2%
Performance per Dollar
19.4
19.6+1%
Release Date
2012
2011

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